Jennifer Ziegler's Blog, page 4

Me! On TV!

Here’s a link to a fantastic video that was shot and edited by students (!)  during my stay in Frisco last fall.  It features me and the amazing Jarrett Krosoczka at the district's annual Frisco Reads celebration of books and reading.

 

As you can see, the district was full of talented people, and all of them readers.  Such a wonderful time!   

 
wiki.friscoisd.org/users/friscoisdtv/weblog/a546a/Frisco_Reads_2009.html
 

THIS Makes It All Worthwhile ....

Recently during Spirit Week at Hill Country Middle School, students dressed up as a character from a favorite book.  And the lovely Susannah dressed up as Maggie from How NOT to Be Popular!

 

 

 

She is SO Maggie!

 

I can’t tell you how much I love this.  Thanks, Susannah and family for sharing.  And thank you Heather-the-Wonder-Librarian for all that you do.

 

 

EPIC BLOG FAIL!

Sorry guys.  I did it again.  I went radio silent.  Off-grid.  AWOL.

 

Yes, I’m busy. Yes, I’m finishing up the new book and we have just ended a long string of Ziegler family birthdays.  But really, it’s probably a lack of time management skills. 

 

Also, I’ve come to realize something about myself as a writer:  There are times when I’m working on a book that I don’t want to be too aware of myself and my craft.

 

Allow me to explain.  When I am drafting a new story, I like to slowly particle beam myself into this new world and watch the action unfold all around me.  Of course, I’m not really going anywhere.  I’m sitting in my creaky desk chair staring at the computer screen, and this new world is actually being created by me.  But … I don’t like for it to feel as if I’m making it.  In fact, I try to forget myself as much as possible.  I like the illusion of disappearing into an alternate universe.  I like believing (without hitting a pathological level) that the characters in the story are real people.  That instead of me guiding them, they are guiding me. 

 

If I’m too conscious of myself creating it all, I can’t get caught up in the emotions of the story.  It loses that raw, heartfelt tone.  It loses some of the magic.

 

And when I blog about writing, it makes me aware of myself as creator of the story.  It pulls me back into reality.  So during those weeks of particle beaming, don’t expect to see much of me on here.  I’ll be hanging out in a fictitious high school somewhere watching a teenage tale unfold.

 

Forgetting all about me, my world, and my blog.

Texas Book Festival '09 Recap

Last weekend I helped out at the Texas Book Festival in downtown Austin.  It was another beautiful fall day – the gentle breezes flowed, the trees rained down leaves, and book lovers of all ages came out in droves.

 

First I had the honor of introducing authors Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett at a packed Family Life Center.

 

 

 
This is me being an Introducer.

Mac entertained the crowd with a reading from his hilarious illustrated book Guess Again!  If you haven’t seen it – go find it.  I haven’t laughed that hard at a picture book in a long time.



Mac was a wonderful orator and told several great stories behind the making of his books Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem and The Brixton Brothers: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.



Me and Mac.  I can't remember what we were discussing. Probably how much we love Jon's books.

Jon spoke about writing and read from his latest picture book, Robot Zot!

It was such a privilege to introduce Jon.  His books The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,  The True Story of the Tree Little Pigs,  and the Time Warp Trio series were all big favorites with my kids.  And with me!

After Jon’s and Mac’s event, I met my fabulous critique group at the Texas Chili Parlor for some goal setting and good grub eatin’.  From left to right, Tim Crow, Brian Anderson, Gene Brenek, Debbie Gonzales, and moi.

After lunch, I was able to catch most of the “Faustian Bargains” panel.  The lovely and wise Cynthia Leitich Smith talked about her amazing gothic fantasy novel Eternal, and the adorable and witty brother/sister writing duo Daniel and Dina Nayeri talked about writing Another Faust.  Fellow Delacorte Dame April Lurie did an amazing job of moderating.

 

Next it was time to do some moderating of my own.  I had the pleasure of presiding over the “Hot Reads for Cool Girls” panel, featuring (from left to right) Rosemary Clement-Moore, Victoria Laurie, Katherine Marsh and Isobelle Carmody.



And here I am with the lovely ladies.  Rosemary, Katherine, me, Victoria, and Isobelle.  (It was Halloween, which is why Victoria is in kitty-cat ears and Katherine is dressed as a private school girl -- a reference to a character in her ghostly books The Night Tourist and The Twilight Prisoner.)

  
It was an amazing day.  I love my city!  Big kudos to the organizers and volunteers and featured authors.  And a big thank-you kiss to my hubby -- the man behind the camera, and the man behind the crazy writer lady -- for chronicling the event.

Fun at the Austin Teen Book Fest

On October 24, I had the joy and privilege of taking part in the first annual Austin Teen Book Festival.  It was a gorgeous day – and Westlake High School was full of authors, rock musicians, local super-librarians, and smiling people of all ages.

 

Here are some pics of the event:

 

    

 

Upon our arrival that morning we met with our teen guides.  The smart and lovely Ari joined me for breakfast and interesting conversation. We are in the foreground.  In between us is always hilarious and whip-smart YA author Justine Larbalestier with her adorable teen guide.  I really loved the boots Justine was wearing, which were designed especially for her.

 

 

 

And here’s one of me with the amazing Carrie Jones and her teen guide.

 

    

 

After coffee and breakfast tacos, we headed to the main auditorium where we were each introduced.  Here’s a shot of my grand entrance and of the whole rabble of authors.

 

 

And here’s a shot I took from the stage.

 

      

Libba Bray gave the keynote speech and was assisted by her gnome sidekick, Book People’s Topher Bradfield.  As per usual, Libba was fantastic.  She is one smart, saucy lady.  As you can see, the place was packed.

 

     

I served on a panel with my fellow Delacorte Dames and Dude. 

 

I wasn’t able to see the other panels, but this one was Zombies vs. Vampires, with Heather Brewer, Carrie Jones, Daniel Waters, and Cynthia Leitich Smith.

 

 

 

Here’s a shot of the "Fantasy" panel with Rick Yancey, Lisa McMann, Justine Larbalestier, and Libba Bray.

 

And here’s a pic of the “Real YA Voices” panel, which featured Terra Elan McVoy, Deb Caletti, and Matt de la Pena.

 

 

 

During lunch we were treated to the “Thriller” zombie dance!

 

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At the end of the day we signed books.

 

 

 

And then we hit the Hula Hut for some good grub and conversation.  Here’s the whole gang.

 

BIG BIG BIG shout-outs go to the amazing Heather Schubert and the rest of the Eanes District wonder-librarians.  Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.  And here’s to many more teen book fests!

A personal shout out to my friends Brian P. and Savannah for surprising me with your presence!  So happy you were there!